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Description
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is one of many treatment modalities, such as moist wound healing and topical medications, suitable for treating a range of post-surgical diabetic foot wounds. This article looks at a diabetic foot centre in Cornwall and the impact that the utilisation of VAC therapy has had on outpatients who have undergone diabetes-related foot surgery.
Key words
- Topical negative pressure
- Vacuum-assisted closure
- Wound management
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The worldwide incidence of diabetes is increasing year on year, contributing a significant burden on health and social service providers: the diabetes NSF attributes 5% of the total NHS budget and 10% of hospital inpatient resources to the care of the population with diabetes in the UK (DoH, 2003). As a result of delayed healing, high probability for amputation and disability, the diabetic foot ulcer has been cited as the most costly complication of diabetes and, as such, is a major burden on the health community (Apelqvist et al, 1994; Apelqvist, 1998; Dunn, 2007).
Central Cornwall diabetic foot clinic
To ensure the optimal management of people with acute diabetic foot problems in central Cornwall, a two-chair podiatry-led diabetic foot clinic was opened at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Cornwall, in January 2007. The clinic, open 5 days a week, is operated by two band-7 podiatrists and a band-3 podiatry assistant. Clinicians are able to call upon the expertise of physicians, vascular surgeons, specialist nurses, an orthotist, therapy teams and the vascular studies department.
The clinic aims to provide prompt and appropriate interventions for the promotion of wound healing and a reduction in the number of amputations. Current activity includes inpatient and outpatient care of people who have diabetes plus acute foot problems.
VAC therapy and the post-surgical diabetic foot wound
Topical negative pressure is indicated as an effective adjunctive therapy in the care of post-operative wounds and has emerged as... |
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